In our last post on 3 August regarding the switch from WhatsApp to Telegram, a number of developments have clarified and refined this strategic shift. Whilst the initial decision was based on considerations of security, technical stability and alignment with Swiss infrastructure, the initial feedback and recent adjustments now allow us to assess its practical implications.

As the transition takes shape, new information is shedding further light on the operational outlook and the practical arrangements for accessing the Telegram channel, the decision to abandon the WhatsApp channel – which had initially been envisaged – and the opportunities for integrating other digital tools.

Telegram, yes, but…

Telegram is widely used in general and in Switzerland in particular. However, it is not as secure as WhatsApp. An enhanced privacy feature does exist, but it cannot be used via the desktop application. Our services, however, cannot provide their support services via a mobile phone. Computers are required for this purpose. This security shortcoming may not represent a major problem for Louise Elite™ clients who might use it, but from a legal perspective, we would be in breach of requirements relating to compliance with the GDPR in the EU (General Data Protection Regulation) and the FADP in Switzerland (Federal Act on Data Protection). It is, of course, out of the question for us to put ourselves in breach of any regulations whatsoever.

The Homemade Alternative

There is the Swiss alternative (Threema), but Louise Elite™’s client base is by no means limited to Switzerland. We cannot reasonably expect people to contact us via an app that almost nobody outside Switzerland knows exists. We will therefore use our internal tools to manage sensitive data, or data deemed as such by law, in order to facilitate the exchange of this information, whilst adhering to the agreed protocols using tools with which our clients are already familiar.

What about WhatsApp?

We will ultimately continue to use WhatsApp as the initial point of contact for people who use this tool, thereby enabling them to get in touch with us in a convenient way, before asking them to provide us with the information for which we are legally responsible in terms of the protection we must afford them (primarily their identity, location and the time of the appointment).

Other technical developments

Lea (Louise Elite Agency), the chatbot currently featured on every page of the website, is to be replaced by Alix (Assistante de Liaison et d’Intelligence eXclusive : Exclusive Liaison and Intelligence Assistant), as planned at the start of the year (a virtual assistant responsible for the initial welcome across communication channels). Originally intended to provide this welcome service on WhatsApp, she will instead do so via a webchat on the website – replacing Léa, who is currently active on Telegram – and via email at info@… Each communication channel will handle enquiries from those contacting Louise Elite™ differently, depending on the software used, but with the same aim: a warm and discreet personal welcome, booking an appointment and, ultimately, the meeting. As for WhatsApp, it will serve as a technical point of contact and a means of redirecting users to one of our Swiss servers to enable confidential exchanges via, once again, a webchat that complies with regulations on security and data protection.

Calendly (which has its servers in California) will also be phased out in favour of another open-source system that will also run on one of our servers in Switzerland and offer rock-solid privacy, whilst providing the same online appointment-booking functionality.

We are currently expanding our technical capabilities in order to offer the best possible user experience to our contacts as part of our brand’s significant move upmarket; whilst Louise is becoming the muse of a painter who is also undoubtedly a rising star. This is a topic we will return to at a later, more appropriate time.

Please note: ‘webpush’ notifications have been permanently discontinued on the LouiseElite.agency website.